The 35 Best Dance Sequences in Film

Forget the so-so acting and formulaic plots — there is a long and illustrious history of great dance moments captured on film. Be it Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire tap dancing, John Travolta doing the disco, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray practicing lifts in the water, or Julia Stiles fusing ballet and hip hop, everyone has a favorite dance scene that they have tried to memorize and perform. After the jump, we have compiled our favorite dance scenes from film in chronological order. We’re willing to bet you won’t stay in your chair for long.

1. 42nd Street (1933)

2. Top Hat (1935)

Jump to 3:24 to see the breathtaking ballroom scene between Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.